Universal Orlando is about to make history with their third on-site park, and the world’s first-ever water theme park. The park announced today that the grand opening for Volcano Bay will be just before the official start of the summer, on May 25. That will put the brand-new park on target for Memorial Day Weekend. The new park will be located right next to Universal Orlando’s Retro-beach themed hotel, Cabana Bay.

While other theme parks have a water park, Universal Orlando is breaking the mold by having the world’s first water theme park. What’s the difference? Usually when you go to a water park, you go on waterslides, and you’re done. When you step foot into Volcano Bay, you are swept away to a tropical island, with a very rare, water spewing volcano. The park is home to many nooks and crannies that are free for you to explore. In other words, you are completely immersed in the environment, and swept away to this tropical hide away.

The new water park will feature several new attractions, including a death-defying drop through the park’s signature volcano. In fact, many of the park's rides are centered around the volcano. There are four unique areas of the park, each containing different attractions. The volcano houses some of the biggest thrill rides, including daring drops through the center, and an amazing water coaster that sends you up hills and through the volcano, using the same technology that powers Universal’s Mummy coaster.

Wave Village takes you to a relaxing beach, where you can play in the waters at the base of the might Volcano. River Village is home to a pair of thrilling tube slides, as well as two kids play areas. There’s also the Volcano Bay version of a lazy river, where you are taken into caverns to discover the night sky.  Rainforest Village has a slew of tube rides, including a unique white water raft ride.  Overall there are about 15 new experiences at Volcano Bay.

Universal is also making Volcano Bay the world’s first line-less theme park. Picture that for a second. You get a “Tapu-Tapu” bracelet as you come into the park, and you just start relaxing. You make ride reservations for the attractions you want to experience, and when your time is done, you simply walk up and ride. While we’ve seen “front of the line” or “Fastpass” type experiences before, we’ve never seen an entire park based on the idea of “no one waits in line.” That’s simply insane to think of, but here it is! Universal is utilizing new technology to make your waterpark experience not only more convenient, but also better. You’ll be able to make reserve ride times, make purchases and even activate special features in the park with Tapu Tapu.

Honestly, all this sounds amazing, but we can’t wait to simply get a nice tropical drink, and watch the Volcano come to life at night when Volcano Bay opens on May 25.

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